07.03.2025

Gartenpalais Liechtenstein – science and history in one

„The only thing new in the world ist he history you do not know.“- Harry S.Trumon, Gartenpalais Liechtenstein

If there’s one thing Vienna can do really well, it’s magnificent architecture with history – and the Gartenpalais Liechtenstein is no exception. A baroque jewel in the middle of the 9th district, surrounded by one of the most beautiful gardens in the city. Sounds like the perfect place for a little journey back in time? Absolutely! And that’s exactly what you can experience here, because in addition to the impressive architecture, there are also regularly changing exhibitions to marvel at.

Current? „Wonders and Science. Porcelain and Collecting in Baroque Vienna“ – and yes, that sounds as exciting as it is!

A palace with history

The Gartenpalais Liechtenstein is no ordinary magnificent building. Built in the early 18th century as a summer residence for Prince Johann Adam Andreas von Liechtenstein, it was not only intended to be a place of retreat, but also a stage for his incredible art collection. And you can still see that today: stucco-decorated ceilings, magnificent halls and plenty of golden details make the palace a real eye-catcher.

Fun fact: The Liechtenstein family was not only active in Vienna, but also named an entire country after themselves. Yes, that’s right, the small but beautiful Principality of Liechtenstein!

„Princely Collections of Liechtenstein“

The palace has been through a lot over the centuries: it was rebuilt several times, used as a museum and finally lovingly restored. Today it once again serves as an exhibition space for the „Princely Collections of Liechtenstein“ – one of the most important private art collections in the world. Originals by Rubens, Cranach and van Dyck simply hang on the walls.

The current exhibition: "Wonders and Science"

If you’re thinking that an exhibition about porcelain falls into the category of „nice, but not my thing“ – hold on tight! „Wonder and Science. Porcelain and the Love of Collecting in Baroque Vienna“ takes you into a world full of luxury, curiosity and a bit of industrial espionage.

The Viennese porcelain manufactory Du Paquier, the second in Europe after Meissen, tried with all its might to decipher the secret of porcelain production in the 18th century – and this at a time when porcelain was more expensive than gold! The exhibition shows how the Viennese manufactory imitated Chinese and Japanese models and at the same time developed its own style. In addition to delicate porcelain pieces, there are also magnificent lacquer and silver works to admire – a feast for all those who like opulence.

My personal highlight at the Gartenpalais Liechtenstein? The absurd stories about how people tried to get to the bottom of the secret of porcelain production. Spoiler: Sometimes it was less science and more espionage with a lot of drama.

Why it's worth a visit

The Gartenpalais Liechtenstein is already a real highlight in Vienna, but this exhibition makes it even more exciting. Imagine: you stroll through magnificent rooms, admire baroque works of art and at the same time immerse yourself in the world of science and passion for collecting in the 18th century. And the best part? The exhibition runs until March 30, 2025 – so there’s plenty of time to plan a visit.

And if you still feel like going for a stroll after the exhibition: the palace garden is a dream and invites you to linger. Perfect for a bit of royal flair in the middle of Vienna!

MY SUMMARY

If you love art, history and a bit of baroque eccentricity, then the Gartenpalais Liechtenstein is the place for you. The current exhibition „Wonders and Science“ not only offers beautiful porcelain, but also lots of exciting stories. So, grab your camera, pack a bit of curiosity and immerse yourself in the world of baroque Vienna!
Have you ever visited the Garden Palace? Or is it still on your Vienna bucket list? Let me know!